The iconic Sydenham Bypass is to be upgraded.

The NI Transport Minister, Conor Murphy has announced the improvements to the A2 Sydenham Bypass, in east Belfast.

The Minister confirmed that on line widening of the existing Sydenham Bypass is the preferred option.

Public information events will be held at two venues to inform the public about the proposed scheme and invite opinions on the proposals.

The public information events will be held on Wednesday 24 February 2010 in Dee Street Community Centre, Belfast and on Monday 1 March 2010 in Inverary Community Centre, Belfast.

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The Minister said: "The A2 is the main road linking Belfast to Bangor and the Sydenham Bypass stretch of this route carries over 55,000 vehicles each day.

"The Bypass improvement scheme will widen the existing dual two-lane carriageway to a three lane dual carriageway over a 2.5km length of the Bangor Road, between the M3 and Tillysburn Junction."

He continued: "These exhibitions are an important step in the development of the A2 Sydenham Bypass scheme. I believe it is important to inform the local community and other road users about our proposals to address traffic congestion on this busy route into Belfast."

The improvement scheme proposed for the Sydenham Bypass is one of a number of schemes, which were identified in the Regional Transportation Strategy and are currently being advanced by Roads Service.

(NS/BMcC)